User Equipment Logging for 3GPP and WLAN Performance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current heterogeneous access networks lack a standardized method for logging information when devices move between 3GPP and WLAN networks, particularly for performance monitoring and tuning, as Wi-Fi/WLAN standards do not provide access to network information like UMTS/E-UTRAN standards do.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment (UE) logs information, including node identifiers, timestamps, and performance metrics, when attaching to or detaching from both 3GPP and WLAN nodes, with successful or unsuccessful attachment attempts recorded, and provides a copy of the log to the respective network nodes, enabling performance evaluation and network parameter tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MDT measurements are implemented in 3GPP networks to enable network monitoring and performance tuning, then network performance evaluation capability is improved, but WLAN networks remain unable to access network information for similar purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is configured to perform logging functionality across multiple network types (3GPP and WLAN), making the logging capability universal. The same logging mechanism that works in 3GPP networks is extended to WLAN networks, allowing the UE to collect performance data from both network types through a single unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE acts as an intermediary that collects network information from both 3GPP and WLAN networks. By having the UE perform logging in both network types and provide this information to the 3GPP network, the UE mediates the information flow between heterogeneous networks, enabling the 3GPP network to gain insights into WLAN performance.
2Productivity
If heterogeneous access networks use multiple radio access technologies to provide greater capacity, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but there is no standardized method for logging information when devices move between different network types
Solution Approach 1:
The logging process is segmented into distinct phases: logging while attached to WLAN, logging during handover attempts, and logging when attached to 3GPP network. Each phase has specific logging requirements that are handled independently, making the overall system easier to implement and standardize across different network types.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE is pre-configured with logging capabilities before moving between networks. The logging functionality is established in advance, and the UE automatically begins logging relevant information (node identifiers, timestamps, performance metrics) as soon as it attaches to a network, without requiring complex real-time coordination between different network types.
3Loss of information
If the UE logs detailed information including node identifiers, timestamps, and performance metrics for each network attachment, then network performance evaluation capability is improved, but the complexity of information management and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The essential logging information (node identifier, timestamp, performance metrics, attachment duration) is extracted from the complex network interaction process and stored in a standardized format. By focusing only on the most relevant parameters needed for performance evaluation, the system reduces information management complexity while maintaining completeness of critical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE creates copies of the logged information and provides them to relevant network nodes (WLAN access points and 3GPP network). This copying mechanism allows the same logged data to be used by multiple parties for different purposes without requiring complex information sharing protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a device and a method for logging information. The device implementing the invention is operable to attach to a first node and a second node, at least one of the first node and the second node operates within a WLAN and the other of the first node and the second node operates within a WLAN or a 3rd Generation Partnership Project, 3GPP, network. The device includes a memory and a processor. The memory includes a log, the log configured to receive at least one entry comprising an identifier for the first node and a time stamp indicating the time that the device attached to the first node. The processor acts to cause an entry to be added to the log to indicate whether an attempt by the device to attach to a second node has been successful or unsuccessful.